Audit Senior Manager

Who We Are

About Ascend

Backed by private equity from people-focused Alpine Investors, Ascend is building a dynamic platform for regional accounting firms that enables them to stay independent while accessing the resources of a Top 25 firm to help them grow. Ascend provides access to growth capital, robust talent acquisition and training, leading quality management resources, best-of-breed technology, AI tools, an offshore captive, shared back-office services, a catalytic leadership system, and modernized equity incentives so that firms can surmount today’s industry challenges to reach their full potential.

For more information, visit www.ascendtogether.com .

Ab out Blackman & Sloop

At Blackman & Sloop, we hire great people and give them a great place to work. We listen to what our employees value, and being a local firm gives us the advantage of flexibility. Our secret to retaining staff is a positive culture, strong community involvement, and a dedication to constantly increasing our competencies. We are a two-office firm, with locations in Chapel Hill and Greensboro, and approximately 45 full-time staff.

For 7 years, we’ve been honored as one of Accounting Today’s “Best Accounting Firms to Work For”! We’ve also been recognized by Business North Carolina as one of the “Best Employers in North Carolina” list for multiple years. Most recently, we are proud to have received the Best Companies Group award for Best Accounting Firms for Women in Chapel Hill.

As an independent member of the BDO Alliance, we have access to the resources of BDO USA, LLP, the world's 5th largest accounting and consulting firm. Additionally in May 2024, we made the strategic decision to join Ascend to usher us in our next stage of growth.

The Role

We are seeking an Audit Senior Manager to serve clients across a range of industries — including small business, auto dealership, construction, real estate, retail, non-profit, and lead employee benefit plan audits. This is a dynamic, client-facing opportunity for an experienced audit professional who is eager for continued growth and thrives on direct client interaction.

You will plan and execute assurance engagements, lead audit teams, and manage day-to-day client relationships while identifying opportunities to improve how the audit function operates. You bring excellent interpersonal skills, a team-oriented approach, and the judgment to serve as a trusted point of contact among firm leadership, clients, and staff.

For 7 years, we’ve been honored as one of Accounting Today’s “Best Accounting Firms to Work For”! We’ve also been recognized by Business North Carolina as one of the “Best Employers in North Carolina” list for multiple years. Most recently, we are proud to have received the Best Companies Group award for Best Accounting Firms for Women in Chapel Hill.

As an independent member of the BDO Alliance, we have access to the resources of BDO USA, LLP, the world's 5th largest accounting and consulting firm. Additionally in May 2024, we made the strategic decision to join Ascend to usher us in our next stage of growth.

As a Senior Audit Manager, you will lead and manage all phases of business client advisory and compliance engagements. You will manage clients independently and carry out your outstanding project management, analytical, interpersonal, and communication skills. You will perform technical reviews of client engagements, participate in training and supervision of staff, conduct audit research, and advise on audit matters. Our company is team-oriented and prides itself on providing quality work and excellent customer relations in a friendly, superior working environment. A dedication to excellent client service and a sense of humor are a must.

Key Responsibilities

Engagement Execution & Quality

Plan and execute assurance engagements effectively

Identify business process risks and develop recommendations based on audit findings

Organize and monitor the progress of client engagements in relation to budgets and due dates

Present findings and recommendations to senior leadership and clients

Team & Client Leadership

Manage a team of three or more professionals

Supervise, train, and evaluate staff on client engagements

Manage day-to-day client relationships

Serve as the communication channel among senior leadership, clients, and staff

Deliver responsive, high-quality service that anticipates client needs and exceeds expectations

Communicate audit progress, findings, and deliverables to clients clearly and proactively

Serve as a trusted advisor, resolving client concerns promptly and ensuring a consistent, positive client experience

Business Development

Work with cross-service leadership to identify cross-sell opportunities

Work effectively with the firm’s Chief Growth Officer to create and execute an individual client development plan

Strengthen and retain existing client relationships to protect and grow the current book of business

Process Improvement & Department Growth

Identify and implement process improvements to enhance audit efficiency and overall department operations

Optimize workflows, refine methodologies, and contribute to the strategic growth of the audit department

Drive continuous improvement initiatives and support the operational development of the audit

Required Qualifications

Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field

7+ years of experience applying audit methodologies and techniques within public accounting

In-depth knowledge of U.S. GAAP

In-depth knowledge of employee benefit plan audits

In-depth knowledge of family-owned for-profit businesses, including construction, real estate, and auto dealerships

Experience overseeing, training, and mentoring staff

Strong communication skills

Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build trusted client relationships and develop new business opportunities

Ability to build and manage relationships internally and externally

Experience identifying and implementing process improvements to enhance audit efficiency and operations

Ability to optimize workflows and contribute to the strategic growth of the audit department

Strong operational mindset with a focus on continuous improvement and team development

Strong project management, organizational, and change management skills

Eagerness to explore and use new technologies to increase productivity and balance workloads

Excellent work ethic and a sense of humor are a must

Preferred Qualifications

Experience performing Uniform Guidance, Yellow Book, and/or Single Audits.

Experience performing Health and Welfare Benefit Plans

Who We Look For

A perceptive team player who excels in a progressive, collaborative environment, blending sharp analytical skills with exceptional communication. A detail-oriented leader who embodies critical thinking and high standards, and a proactive professional committed to delivering outstanding service while embracing and driving curiosity and innovation.

Location

Based in Chapel Hill, NC. At Blackman & Sloop, we’ve designed a flexible hybrid work structure that enables both teamwork and independence, enhancing our employees’ work experience while promoting personal well-being.

What We Offer

We hire good people and give them a good place to work. Our secret to keeping them around is a positive culture, strong community involvement, and a dedication to constantly increasing our competencies. We truly believe that when you succeed, the firm succeeds, and we make sure you have whatever tools you need to make that success possible.

Join our team and enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that supports well-being, health, and ongoing professional growth:

Flexible PTO

Medical, dental, vision, and voluntary insurance options

401(k) matching

Performance bonus

12 paid